Light source module for emitting high density beam and method for controlling the same

ABSTRACT

One embodiment may provide a light source module including: a light source including at least one vertical cavity surface-emitting laser, which is configured to transfer light through N (N being a natural number equal to or greater than 1) apertures; at least one collimator lens through which light emitted from the light source passes; and a driving device configured to make the collimator lens move, wherein the at least one vertical cavity surface-emitting laser comprises divided regions, and an intensity of a beam is controlled according to a predetermined far-distance mode or near-distance mode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present embodiment relates to a distance measurement device formeasuring a distance by adjusting an output of a light source element ofa light source or by moving an optical device.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Methods for identifying three-dimensional information are epitomized bya stereo vision scheme, a structured-light scheme, and a time-of-flightscheme.

The time-of-flight (TOF) scheme, among the same, refers to a scheme inwhich a laser having a predetermined pulse is repeatedly produced, andthe time of arrival of the pulse that returns after being reflected byan object is calculated, thereby measuring the distance. This schemerequires a projector for emitting a beam to the object, as in the caseof the structured-light scheme. The TOF scheme is divided into a directmeasurement scheme in which the time between when a pulse emitted fromthe transmission part is reflected by an object and when the pulsereturns to the light receiving device is directly calculated, and anindirect measurement scheme in which the difference in phase betweenreceived pulses is calculated. The indirect measurement scheme is morewidely utilized.

The structured-light scheme and the time-of-flight scheme, among theabove-mentioned methods for identifying three-dimensional information,additionally perform a process of directing a beam emitted from thetransmission part to an object, unlike the stereo vision scheme, and alight source is thus included. In addition, a beam needs to be emittedat a predetermined angle such that light from the light source reachesthe object appropriately, and various optical devices are proposed tothis end. Specifically, diffusers, prisms, or the like are widely usedas optical devices. Various optical devices, including the same, may beused to appropriately adjust the beam angle.

A diffuser having a predetermined shape or a prism is commonly used as aconventional optical device, and the emission angle is determinedaccording to the characteristics of surfaces formed at the time ofmanufacturing. This poses a problem in that detectable regions arelimited because beams are transferred to objects according to theinitially configured emission angle, regardless of the distance betweenthe object and the light source, and the efficiency of transfer degradesin proportion to the distance from the center of a beam in the processof emitting the beam. Conventional optical devices also have alimitation in that, since a single optical device is used, angleadjustment for configuring various emission angles is impossible.

Meanwhile, a conventional distance measurement device commonly uses alaser as its light source, and cannot individually control the outputwith regard to respective regions of laser elements because laserelements for outputting light are simultaneously controlled.Particularly, the farther from the center of the light source, the lesslight reaches the object. This is regarded as a major factor thatreduces power efficiency of the distance measurement device.

In addition, conventional distance measurement devices cannotindividually control movements of optical devices, and thus fail toreach the output necessary for each distance, thereby wasting power. Inaddition, if light is emitted without dividing an object into regions,the intensify of light reaching each region decreases, thereby incurringthe problems of noise and resolution degradation.

Moreover, conventional distance measurement devices have a problem inthat, since a single light source element is used, the light source forlong distance measurement has insufficient output. The light output maybe increased if the output is concentrated in a specific region, but themeasurable regions are inevitably reduced. If a single light sourceelement is used to measure distance, the amount of emitted light is alsoreduced. As a result, it is impossible to obtain an appropriate amountof light reaching image sensors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this background, it is an aspect of the present disclosure to providea light source module including one or more light source elements. It isanother aspect of the present disclosure to provide a light sourcemodule including an optical device configured to move such that asufficient amount of light is transferred to an object. It is anotheraspect of the present disclosure to provide an accurate distancemeasuring method, according to the distance of an object, by providing amethod for driving a light source module.

To this end, a first embodiment may provide a light source moduleincluding: a light source including at least one vertical cavitysurface-emitting laser, which is configured to transfer light through N(N being a natural number equal to or greater than 1) apertures (oremitters); at least one collimator lens through which light emitted bythe light source passes; and a driving device configured to make thecollimator lens move, wherein the at least one vertical cavitysurface-emitting laser comprises divided regions, and an intensity of abeam is controlled depending on a predetermined far-distance mode ornear-distance mode.

There may be provided a light source module wherein the lighttransferred through the N apertures does not pass through any opticaldevice configured to process a form of a beam, other than the collimatorlens.

There may be provided a light source module wherein light reaching asubject in the light source module is divided into M (M being a naturalnumber equal to or greater than 1) regions, and the M regions are linkedwith each other according to information about a field of view (FOV) ofa light receiving device lens.

There may be provided a light source module wherein the driving devicein the light source module is configured to adjust an alignment positionof the vertical cavity surface-emitting laser so as to adjust adirection of a beam incident into the collimator lens.

There may be provided a light source module wherein the driving devicein the light source module is configured to: control a current throughan electromagnetic coil or a piezoelectric element; and to make thecollimator lens move according to an intensity or direction of thecurrent, thereby enabling relative position control between the lightsource and the optical element including the collimator lens.

There may be provided a light source module wherein the driving devicein the light source module causes a movement in a directionperpendicular to or parallel to a light path in a far-distance mode,thereby adjusting the direction in which light is incident onto anoptical element through an aperture (or emitter) of the light source,and a vertical working distance. In addition, the driving device causesa movement in a direction perpendicular to or parallel to the light pathin a near-distance mode, thereby adjusting the direction in which lightis incident onto the optical element through the aperture of the lightsource, and the vertical working distance.

There may be provided a light source module wherein two or more verticalcavity surface-emitting lasers operate in the near-distance/far-distancemode, and the working distance between the two or more vertical cavitysurface-emitting lasers and the collimator lens is constant.

A second embodiment may provide a light source module including: a lightsource element including N (N being a natural number equal to or greaterthan 1) apertures (or emitters); a collimator lens (or DOE splitter)configured to make light, emitted by the light source element, pass andtransfer a dot light source to a subject; and a control deviceconfigured to control a direction and a movement distance of thecollimator lens depending on a distance to the subject, wherein thecontrol device includes a coil, a piezoelectric element, or a rotatingdevice in order to control a current or a voltage.

There may be provided a light source module wherein the control devicemakes the collimator lens move in an X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis directionin a first mode to transfer an optimized high-density dot light sourceto the subject, and makes the collimator lens move in a Z-axis directionin a second mode to transfer a low-density homogeneous light sourcehaving characteristics different from those of the high-density dotlight source to the subject. The order of the first mode and the secondmode may vary depending on the operation order required by the system.

There may be provided a light source module wherein the light sourcemodule further includes a photodetector for measuring the intensity oflight passing through a lens. The photodetector may determine whether ornot the light source element operates normally according to the measuredintensity of light.

There may be provided a light source module wherein the light sourcemodule includes pogo pin tensions connected to a substrate andconfigured to adjust a tension of an internal spring according to anintensity of a current, and a beam transmission direction is adjusted bythe movement of the pogo pin tensions.

As described above, the present embodiment is advantageous in thatelectric power can be used efficiently by means of the light sourcemodule, and accurate distance calculation is possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a first illustration showing an optical module according toone embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a second illustration showing an optical module according toone embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a third illustration showing an optical module according toone embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an optical module including a light receiving deviceaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates separate regions of a light source module including alight receiving device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates separate regions of a light source element;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of vertical cavity surface-emittinglaser (VC SEL);

FIG. 8 illustrates separate regions of an optical device;

FIG. 9 is a first illustration showing region-specific movement of anoptical device;

FIG. 10 is a second illustration showing region-specific movement of anoptical device;

FIG. 11 is a third illustration showing region-specific movement of anoptical device;

FIG. 12 is a fourth illustration showing region-specific movement of anoptical device;

FIG. 13 is a fifth illustration showing region-specific movement of anoptical device;

FIG. 14 is a sixth illustration showing region-specific movement of anoptical device;

FIG. 15 is a first illustration showing the order of arrival of light inrespective regions of a light receiving device;

FIG. 16 is a second illustration showing the order of arrival of lightin respective regions of a light receiving device;

FIG. 17 is a first illustration showing a light source module includingmultiple light source elements according to one embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a second illustration showing a light source module includingmultiple light source elements according to one embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a third illustration showing a light source module includingmultiple light source elements according to one embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a fourth illustration showing a light source module includingmultiple light source elements according to one embodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates a light source module capable of beam steeringaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a view for describing a design drawing of a light sourcemodule;

FIG. 23 is a first illustration showing a region of light, in whichlight transferred from a light source module according to one embodimentreaches a subject;

FIG. 24 is a second illustration showing a region of light, in whichlight transferred from a light source module according to one embodimentreaches a subject;

FIG. 25 is a third illustration showing a region of light, in whichlight transferred from a light source module according to one embodimentreaches a subject;

FIG. 26 is a fourth illustration showing a region of light, in whichlight transferred from a light source module according to one embodimentreaches a subject;

FIG. 27 is a first illustration showing a position-specific intensity oflight transferred from a light source module according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 28 is a second illustration showing a position-specific intensityof light transferred from a light source module according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 29 is a third illustration showing a position-specific intensity oflight transferred from a light source module according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 30 is a fourth illustration showing a position-specific intensityof light transferred from a light source module according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 31 is a first illustration for describing a method for measuring adistance by using a time-of-flight (TOF) method;

FIG. 32 is a second illustration for describing a method for measuring adistance by using a time-of-flight (TOF) method; and

FIG. 33 is a flowchart for describing a method for adjusting output of alight source module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Inadding reference numerals to elements in each drawing, the same elementswill be designated by the same reference numerals, if possible, althoughthey are shown in different drawings. Further, in the followingdescription of the present disclosure, a detailed description of knownfunctions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when itis determined that the description may make the subject matter of thepresent disclosure rather unclear.

In addition, terms, such as first, second, a, b or the like may be usedherein when describing elements of the present embodiment. These termsare merely used to distinguish one element from other elements, and aproperty, an order, a sequence and the like of a corresponding elementare not limited by the terms. It should be noted that if it is describedin the specification that one element is “connected,” “coupled” or“joined” to another element, a third element may be “connected,”“coupled,” and “joined” between the first and second elements, althoughthe first elements may be directly connected, coupled or joined to thesecond element.

A “ray”, “light”, or a “beam” among elements of the present disclosuremay be construed as having the same meaning without departing from thespirit of the present disclosure.

Further, a “light source”, a “light source element”, or a “light sourcepart” among elements of the present disclosure may be construed ashaving the same meaning without departing from the spirit of the presentdisclosure.

Further, a “optical device”, a “light diffusion device”, or a “diffusionpart” among elements of the present disclosure may be construed ashaving the same meaning without departing from the spirit of the presentdisclosure.

A conventional light source module includes one light source, whereinlight, having passed through an optical device fixed to a frame, reachesan object, and thus the amount of light reaching the object isinsufficient according to the distance of the object. As a result,accurate distance measurement is impossible and a radiation angle maynot be controlled.

The present embodiment provides a light source module including at leastone light source element; and an optical device movable to transfer asufficient amount of light to an object, whereby more accurate opticaldata can be acquired. Further, the present embodiment provides anoperation method of a light source module, thereby provide accuratedistance measure method according to a distance from an object.

1. Light Source Module

1.1 Light Source Module—Basic Model

Referring to FIG. 1 , a light source module 100 according to oneembodiment may include at least one light source 110, at least oneoptical device 120, an actuator 130, a frame 140, and a control device150.

Light transferred from the light source 110 of the light source module100 may reach a target via the light diffusion device 120, and lightreflected by a subject may reach an image sensor (not shown) of a lightreceiving device, whereby the distance between the light source and thesubject may be measured. The distance of an object may be defined ashalf of a movement distance of light from the light source 110 to theimage sensor (not shown), but is not limited thereto.

The distance of the object may be measured via the light source module100, but three-dimensional data may be generated by combining acquireddistance data with a two-dimensional image. If necessary, the lightsource module 100 may be defined as an element corresponding to all or apart of a 3D camera. Further, the light source module 100 may be definedas including both a transmitting module and a receiving module asnecessary.

The arrangement and shapes of the elements of the light source module100 may be variously defined as necessary, and the shapes and positionsof the frame 140 and the control device 150 may be differently designedfor more efficient light transfer.

The control device 150 may control the light source 110, the actuator130, and the image sensor (now shown) through a control signal. Thecontrol device 150 may control the voltage or current of the lightsource module, and may process and calculate data of a transmission partand a light receiving device so as to provide a control signal to eachelement of the light source module.

1.2 Light Source Module—Modified Model

A light source module may be variously defined, and, if necessary, maybe shown as a drawing of a shape in which some elements are omitted.Referring to FIG. 2 , according to one embodiment, a light source module200 may include a single optical device 220. Referring to FIG. 3 ,according to another embodiment, a light source module 300 may includemultiple optical devices, for example, a first optical device 320-1 anda second optical device 320-2. Referring to FIG. 17 , according toanother embodiment, a light source module 400 may include multiple lightsources 410. Referring to FIG. 21 , a light source module 500 mayinclude a pogo pin tension 580, and thus may adjust a beam-emittingdirection or may generate beam steering. According to anotherembodiment, a light source module may include a photodetector.

2. Transmitting (Tx) Module

2.1 Light Source

[Structure of Light Source]

A light source is a device for generating light and transmitting thelight to an object, and may include various elements such as a verticalcavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), a light-emitting diode (LED), andthe like. For convenience, a description may be made using, for example,the vertical cavity surface-emitting laser, but is not limited thereto.The light source may include multiple light source elements asnecessary, and may receive control signals of a control device so as toindividually adjust, based on the control signals, an output of eachelement or an output of regions in a single element.

The light source elements may be arranged like the light source 110 inFIG. 1 , the light source 210 in FIG. 2 , the light source 310 in FIG. 3, the light source 410 in FIG. 17 , the light source 510 in FIG. 21 ,etc., but the arrangement thereof is not limited thereto.

[Structure of Vertical Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL)]

Referring to FIG. 7 , a light source 310 according to one embodiment mayinclude a body part 311, apertures 312, and a lens (not shown). Forexample, the light source 310 may be a vertical cavity surface-emittinglaser (VCSEL), and FIG. 7 briefly illustrates the vertical cavitysurface-emitting laser with an omitted part of the actual structurethereof to the extent required to describe the present disclosure.

The vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) may include multipleapertures. An aperture is a hole formed in a light source elementthrough a predetermined process, and may be defined as a hole from whichlight, having optical density increased through a resonance process andfinally emitted, is emerged.

According to one embodiment, light coming out from an aperture may forma predetermined region. For example, the radiation angle of light comingout from an aperture of a light source element may be about 20 degrees,but may be differently defined depending on design conditions of aproduct.

The body part may be defined as being the remaining element of the lightsource element excluding the aperture, and the shape and type of thebody part are not limited.

The field of view (FOV) of light first generated by the vertical cavitysurface-emitting laser (VCSEL) may be limited, and may be primarilyadjusted by the inner diameter and design value of the aperture 312 inthe vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). The lens may be asmall lens, and may have functions of diffusing and refracting lightemitted by the light source element.

[Individual Control of Output of Each Region of Light Source]

A light source may include at least one light source element. A singlelight source element may be divided into multiple regions, and lightoutput of each of the regions may be individually controlled.

Referring to FIG. 6 , as necessary, the region of the light source 310may be configured and divided into a first region 312 a and a second 312b, and the output of the first region and the output of the secondregion may be individually adjusted by a control device. Each region maybe defined in a continuous form, but may be defined in a discontinuousform as necessary.

The output of the second region, among the configured regions of thelight source, may be adjusted to be lower than the output of the firstregion. The intensity of output of each region may be appropriatelydistributed within the maximum output of the light source module,thereby facilitating optimal power consumption. The intensities ofoutputs of the regions may be appropriately distributed within themaximum output range, and thus optimal power use may be achieved.

The output of the light source may be sequentially controlled for eachregion, and the control sequence may be differently defined asnecessary. Outputs of multiple regions of the light source may beindividually controlled by a control device (not shown), and the modesof the multiple regions may be sequentially switched to ON/OFF modes.

According to one embodiment, efficient power use may be achieved byindividually controlling each light source element.

According to one embodiment, when a light output device 100 operates infar-distance mode or in near-distance mode, light output in far-distancemode needs to be configured to be high, and light output innear-distance mode needs to be controlled to be lower than that infar-distance mode. A light source element of a light source may bedivided into multiple regions, and efficient power use may be achievedby individually controlling only some regions, among the multipleregions, according to a predetermined reference.

For example, in far-distance mode, control may be performed such thatelements of all regions of a light source are used to generate themaximum output. If necessary, even in far-distance mode, there may be aneed to adjust the intensity of output according to the position of asubject.

In another example, in near-distance mode, control may be performed suchthat elements of some regions of a light source are used to generate theminimum output. If necessary, even in near-distance mode, there may be aneed adjust the intensity of output according to the position of asubject.

The method of dividing the region of a light source and individuallycontrolling current of individual elements or apertures enables moreefficient and accurate distance measurement than a method ofsimultaneously controlling all elements or apertures.

For example, the vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) mayinclude 25 apertures arranged in 5×5 array, and thus may allow moreefficient and accurate distance measurement than the case of controllingoutput of each element for a corresponding opening.

Outputs of elements in separate regions of the light source may beindividually controlled, the state in which the value of current of alight source element is zero may be defined as a turned-off state (OFF),and the state in which the value of current of the light source elementis not zero may be defined as a turned-on state (ON).

Referring to FIG. 6 , according to one embodiment, in near-distancemode, the light source part aperture 312 a may be in a turned-off state(OFF), and only the light source part aperture 312 b may be in aturned-on state (ON). A power consumption amount may be reduced bycontrolling the number of light source elements from which light isoutput.

According to another embodiment, in near-distance mode, the outputintensity of an individual element, which is in a turned-on state (ON),may be precisely controlled. The intensity of output of the light sourcepart apertures 312 may be precisely adjusted, based on a predeterminedreference, according to the distance of each of a subject present at afirst distance and a subject present at a second distance. For example,when a first distance is longer than a second distance, the intensity oflight at the first distance may be controlled to be stronger than theintensity of light output at the second distance.

According to one embodiment, in far-distance mode, all of the lightsource part apertures 312 may be in a turned-on state (ON). Acquiringdistance information of a remote subject normally requires a largeramount of light.

According to another embodiment, in far-distance mode, the outputintensity of an individual element, which is in a turned-on state (ON),may be precisely controlled. The intensity of output of the light sourcepart apertures 312 may be precisely adjusted, based on a predeterminedreference, according to the distance of each of a subject present at athird distance and a subject present at a fourth distance. For example,when a third distance is longer than a fourth distance, the intensity oflight at the third distance may be controlled to be stronger than theintensity of light output at the fourth distance.

In relation to a circuit design for controlling individual elements ormultiple apertures 312 in the light source 310, a printed circuit board(PCB) may be designed according to a well-known technology, and awire-bonding type or flip chip type design may also be included.

[Individual Control of Outputs of Multiple Light Source Element]

Referring to FIGS. 17 to 20 , according to one embodiment, the lightsource 410 of the light source module 400 may include multiple lightsource elements. When multiple light source elements are used, moreincreased amount of light may be transferred to a subject. Compared witha single light source element, individual light source elements may beindependent physical entities, and may be disposed with independentregions.

For example, in the case of the light source 410 in FIG. 19 , a firstlight source element 410-1 to a ninth light source element 410-9 may bedefined and arranged.

When a single light source element is used, the resolution recognized byan image sensor of a light receiving device is limited. Further, theamount of power usable by the single light source element is limited,and thus the amount of light reaching an object is also limited.

Therefore, the light source module 400 using multiple light sourceelements according to one embodiment may acquire a high resolution.Further, when multiple light source elements are used, a sufficientamount of light may be transferred to an object or the light receivingdevice, and thus, the above-described problem of an insufficient amountof light may be solved.

Light transferred from the independent regions of the light source 410may passes through an optical device, and may have individual fields ofview. The reason that light from the regions in the light source modulehave individual fields of view is that light is required to be uniformlyand widely emitted to an object in order to accurately measure adistance and acquire a high-quality image. The intensity of lighttransferred from each of the light source elements may be adjustedaccording to current individually transferred to the light sourceelement.

An actuator of the light source module 400 may move an optical device inresponse to outputs of the multiple light source elements.

In the light source module 400, when all the light source elementsincluded in the light source 410 are simultaneously operated, asufficient amount of light may be transferred to an object, but theconsumption of power may rapidly increase. Therefore, for optimal powerconsumption, outputs of some elements among the multiple light sourceelements may be individually controlled, and more efficient distancemeasurement may be performed through the movement of the optical device.

According to one embodiment, similarly to a method for individuallycontrolling current of apertures in a single light source element, moreefficient distance measurement may be performed by controlling each ofthe multiple light source elements.

The method for individually controlling apertures in a single lightsource element is different from the specific method for controllingeach of multiple light source elements, but a principle of light outputcontrol for measuring a remote subject or a short-range subject may beidentically applied.

Since there are multiple light source element, the movement distance ofthe optical device may be reduced compared with the case in which thereis a single light source element, and thus an operation time may bereduced.

Referring to FIG. 20 , the influence of multiple light source elementsof the light source 410 according to one embodiment on each other may beminimized using flip chip. Flip chip is a method for directly placing asemiconductor chip on a circuit board with an electrode pattern at thebottom of the chip, without using any intermediate connection mediumsuch as a wire, when attaching the semiconductor chip to the circuitboard. The flip chip may have advantages of: preventing the complex ofwires in the case of connecting multiple light source elements; andpreventing an intermediate connection medium from blocking light emittedby light source elements of a light source module.

For example, when a light source element is a vertical cavitysurface-emitting laser, light may be emitted using a resonance between anegative electrode and a positive electrode. When a light source elementis installed on a substrate by using a flip chip method, wiring may beperformed without affecting another light source part.

Current supplied to each of multiple light source elements may beindividually adjusted by individual circuit wires for the multiple lightsource elements. For example, in order to measure a distance inshort-range mode, there is a need to reduce power consumption, and thusa distance may be measured using only a light source element disposed ata center portion.

2.2 Optical Device

[Configuration of Optical Device]

An optical device according to one embodiment may diffuse or refractlight, transferred from a light source, in various directions. Concavesand convexes formed on the surface of the optical device may havevarious shapes and may be made of various materials, and alight-diffusing angle may be variously set depending on such shapes andmaterials. Light emitted by a light source may be diffused or refractedat a targeted radiation angle through the optical device so as to betransferred to an object.

[Type of Optical Device]

An optical device according to one embodiment may be made of variousoptical material or may have various characteristics according to thephysical configuration, operation function, and design condition of alight source module.

For example, a Fresnel lens may be processed as necessary and used asthe optical device. Further, one selected from among at least a prism, adiffusor, a splitter, a diffractive optical element (DOE), and acollimator lens or a combination thereof may be used as the opticaldevice.

An optical device according to one embodiment may be formed of amicro-lens array (MLA), and the surface of the optical device may bevariously processed according to the characteristic or shape of a usedmaterial.

[Multiple Optical Devices]

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , each of the light source modules 100 and200 according to one embodiment may include one or more optical devices.Referring to FIG. 3 , the light source module 300 according to oneembodiment may include two optical devices, and the optical devices maybe defined as the first optical device 320-1 and the second opticaldevice 320-2.

Light emitted from a light source passes through the first opticaldevice 320-1 and may then be transmitted to the second optical device320-2. In this case, the radiation angle of the light transferred fromthe light source may increase or decrease, according to the movement ofan actuator 330, while passing through the first optical device.

The operation mode of the light source module may be defined accordingto the relative distance between the first optical device and the secondoptical device. For example, the operation mode of the light sourcemodule may be a far-distance mode or a near-distance mode, and thenumber and types of operation modes of the light source module may bevariously defined according to necessity.

[Region of Optical Device]

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 14 , the region of an optical device 320according to one embodiment may be divided into one or more regions. Theposition, direction, and arrangement of each region may be defineddifferently as necessary. The surface of the optical device havingmultiple divided regions may be differently formed such that light iscapable of being transferred to each region of an object.

Referring to FIG. 8 , a first region 321A and a second region 322A of anoptical device 320A according to one embodiment may be defined as havingdifferent physical characteristics, and light passing through eachregion may have a different radiation angle. An optical device 320Baccording to another embodiment may be defined as having a first region321B, which allows light to pass therethrough as it is, and a secondregion 322B, which diffuses light, wherein the first region may be openor may be formed of a material which diffuses light to a small degree.An optical device 320C according to another embodiment may be dividedinto multiple regions 325, and the regions may be defined as havingdifferent physical characteristics. The physical characteristic of eachregion may be defined according to a radiation angle, but may be definedas a characteristic such as a refractive index as necessary. Forexample, an optical device may be divided into nine regions.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5 , two optical devices according to oneembodiment may be defined as the first optical device 320-1 and thesecond optical device 320-2. The operation mode of the light sourcemodule may be defined according to the relative distance between thefirst optical device and the second optical device. For example, theoperation mode of the light source module may be a far-distance mode ora near-distance mode.

Referring to FIG. 8 , one or more regions of the optical device may bedefined according to the relative distance between two optical devicesor a mode of the light source module. The surface of one region of theoptical device may be manufactured to be different in shape and materialfrom the surfaces of other regions in order to reduce a radiation anglein far-distance mode. For example, the second region 322A of the opticaldevice 320A may be used in far-distance mode in which the relativedistance between two optical devices is reduced.

If necessary, each region of an optical device may be formed of a singlematerial, and may have a different pattern in order to adjust theradiation angle of the center and the outer periphery thereof accordingto a predetermined mode of a light source.

[Form of Optical Device]

Referring to FIG. 9 , the optical device 320 according to one embodimentmay be manufactured as a micro-lens array (MLA). Fields of view ofindividual light beams of multiple light source elements may bedifferent from each other, and, to this end, the micro-lens array mayinclude microlenses which is formed to be asymmetrical. According toanother embodiment, each of the one or more micro-lens arrays mayinclude microlenses formed to be symmetrical or a group of lens. Themicro-lens array positioned at the center of the optical device needs tobe symmetrically formed. For example, only the center lens may be usedwithout causing any movement of the optical device 320 (that is, in afixed state) in a near-distance mode.

Further, the one or more micro-lens arrays may be formed to havedifferent refractive indexes according to regions. In order for light tobe transferred from an optical device to an object, the transferdirection of light needs to be adjusted using the actuator 330, and thetransfer direction of light may be adjusted by allowing the micro-lensarrays to have different refractive indexes according to regions.Further, the one or more micro-lens arrays may be arrayed so as totransfer light in accordance with sequential movement of the opticaldevice 320. According to one embodiment, all or only some of arrangedlight source elements may be used, and all or some of regions of a lightdiffusion device may be used according to the number of light sourceelements. For example, light may be sequentially transferred through themovement of the optical device.

Referring to FIG. 9 , according to one embodiment, the region of theoptical device 320 may be divided into nine individual regions 355. Forexample, a first region of the optical device may be formed to beasymmetrical in the left upper end direction, and a second region of theoptical device may be formed to be asymmetrical in the verticaldirection. A third region of the optical device may be formed to beasymmetrical in the right upper end direction, and a fourth region ofthe optical device may be formed to be asymmetrical in the horizontaldirection. A fifth region of the optical device may be formed to besymmetrical in all directions. A sixth region of the optical device maybe formed to be asymmetrical in the horizontal direction, and a seventhregion of the optical device may be formed to be asymmetrical in theleft lower end direction. An eighth region of the optical device may beformed to be asymmetrical in the vertical direction, and a ninth regionof the optical device may be formed to be asymmetrical in the rightlower end direction.

Referring to FIG. 14 , according to another embodiment, a 10th region ofthe optical device may be asymmetrical in the left diagonal direction,and a 11th region of the optical device may be asymmetrical in the rightdiagonal direction. A 12^(th) region of the optical device may beasymmetrical in the horizontal direction, and a 13^(th) region of theoptical device may be asymmetrical in the horizontal direction. A14^(th) region and a 15^(th) region of the optical device may besymmetrical in all directions, and may be different in size from eachother.

For example, the first to ninth regions of the optical device 320 inFIG. 9 may be used to measure a distance in far-distance mode. Forexample, the 10^(th) to 14^(th) regions of the optical device 320 inFIG. 14 may be used to measure a distance in far-distance mode. Forexample, the 15th region of the optical device 320 in FIG. 14 may beused to measure a distance in near-distance mode

2.3 Actuator

[Configuration of Actuator]

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 21 , various types of devices, whichare capable of spatially moving an optical device, may be used as anactuator according to one embodiment. The actuator may adjust the lighttransfer direction or radiation angle of an optical device.

Referring to FIG. 1 , when a first direction (the z-axis) is definedwith reference to an optical axis, an optical device may move in thefirst direction (the z-axis), a second direction (the x-axis), or athird direction (the y-axis). According to one embodiment, the actuatormay spatially move the optical device according to a combination of thefirst direction to the third direction, based on control signals from acontrol device in the first to third directions in the space.

Referring to FIG. 3 , according to one embodiment, when a light sourcemodule includes two optical devices, electromagnetic force generatedbetween a coil, through which current flows, and a magnet generating amagnetic field may be used to adjust the distance between a firstoptical device and a second optical device. The type of actuator may bea mechanical type or a circuit type in which the actuator is capable ofmoving and controlling a diffusion part, and is not limited to aspecific type.

When current flows in a coil positioned at a place in which a magneticfield is generated by a magnet, electromagnetic force may be generatedand may thus push a second diffusion part upward or downward about alight path direction. The direction in which an optical device moves maybe controlled by controlling the direction of current based on apredetermined reference.

According to another embodiment, the light source module may adjust thedirection or the distance between the first optical device and thesecond optical device by using a piezoelectric element (not shown) or arotating device (not shown).

According to another embodiment, the light source module may furtherinclude a driving device (not shown) configured to move the opticaldevice in a direction parallel to or perpendicular to the light path.

According to one embodiment, the light source module may include a voicecoil motor (VCM), and may move the optical device by using a Ferromagnet and a Ferro magnet bar.

[Functions of Voice Coil Motor (VCM)]

Referring to FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment, the actuator 130 mayuse a voice coil motor (VCM) to move an optical device.

According to one embodiment, the actuator 130 may move a diffusiondevice in a light path direction by using interaction between a coil 131and an electromagnet 133 or between a piezoelectric element (not shown)and a metal material (not shown). The movement of the diffusion devicein the light path direction may be defined as a vertical movementfunction.

The voice coil motor used in the actuator 130 moves an object by usingelectromagnetic force generated by interaction between the coil and themagnet.

Referring to FIG. 3 , when the light source module 300 includes twooptical devices, one optical device 320-1 may be fixed, and the otheroptical device 320-2 may include a coil or an electromagnet.Electromagnetic force may be generated by a coil 331 in which currentflows, and the distance between the two optical devices may be adjustedby electromagnetic interaction between a magnet 333 and the coil,included in the optical device. The accurate distance between the twooptical devices, the increase or decrease in the relative distancetherebetween, and the direction of movement of the optical devices maybe determined based on the intensity and direction of current flowing inthe coil.

According to another embodiment, amplification of an electromagneticfield by the coil may be determined based on a piezoelectric effect, andthe distance between the two optical devices may be adjusted using theelectromagnetic force.

The two optical devices according to one embodiment may be defined asthe first optical device 320-1 and the second optical device 320-2. Anoperation mode of the light source module may be defined based on therelative distance between the first optical device and the secondoptical device. For example, the operation mode of the light sourcemodule may be a far-distance mode or a near-distance mode.

[Function of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)]

Referring to FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment, the actuator 130 mayalso move a diffusion device in a direction perpendicular to the lightpath direction by using interaction between the coil 131 and theelectromagnet 133 or between the piezoelectric element (not shown) andthe metal material (not shown). When a first direction (the z-axis) isdefined with reference to an optical axis, a first diffusion device maymove in a second direction (the x-axis) or a third direction (they-axis).

The radiation angle or direction of light may be adjusted as desired byusing the electromagnetic interaction. In this case, the movement of theactuator may be defined as an optical image stabilization (OIS) functionor a horizontal movement.

The OIS function of a typical camera is a function of, like a typicalhand-trembling prevention function, correcting image blurring by movingan optical device or preventing image blurring by adjusting a signalfrom an image sensor.

However, contrarily to the conventional OIS, the OIS according to thepresent embodiment adjusts the radiation angle or direction of light,transferred to an object, by moving an optical device, and thusapplication target thereof differs from that of the conventional OIS.Further, the OIS according to the present embodiment is designed foraccurate distance measurement through the movement of an optical device,and thus the application purpose thereof differs from that of theconventional OIS.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 25 , according to one embodiment, lightreaching an object in the form of a dot may be allowed to reach theobject in the form of a surface through the movement of the opticaldevice. In FIG. 23 , a point light source region 1101 may be defined asa region of light which reaches an object and has intensity equal to orstronger than a predetermined intensity. FIG. 23 shows light arrivaldistribution in a typical light source module which has no OIS function.FIG. 25 shows light arrival distribution when a surface light source isgenerated through an OIS function. Generating a surface source region1103 enables higher resolution and more accurate distance calculation.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24 , when a single light source element isused, usable power is limited, and thus the same object is allowed to bedivided into regions, the number of which is equal to the number ofregions of an optical device, and to be then recognized. This may bedefined as a first feature of an OIS system of the light source module.The above-described function may be implemented through the movement ofthe optical device in the limited region in FIG. 12 .

The OIS function in FIG. 25 may be a function of moving an opticaldevice within a predetermined range in order to generate a surface lightsource, while the OIS function in FIG. 24 may divide an object intoregions and sequentially transfer light to the regions, therebyincreasing the amount of light reaching the object. Further, whenmultiple light source elements are used, the resolution of an image maybe increased by forming a radiation angle corresponding to each region.This may be defined as a second feature of the OIS system of the lightsource module. The above-described function may be implemented throughthe movement of the optical device illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11, 13 ,and 14.

[Surface Light Source Generation according to First Feature of OISFunction]

According to one embodiment, when the number of multiple light sourceelements is equal to or has a correspondence relationship with thenumber of regions of an optical device, the accuracy of distancemeasurement may be increased by the movement of the optical device. Forexample, when the optical device does not move, light reaching an objectmay be formed in the form of a dot or as a small region on the object,but on the other hand, when the optical device moves, light may beformed in the form of a surface or as a large region on the object.

Referring to FIG. 23 , light reaching an object may form a dot or asmall region 1001. The distance from a region 1002 of the object, whichlight does not reach, may not be measured. Therefore, the light sourcemodule may increase the resolution of an image of the object or mayaccurately measure the distance from the object by increasing a regionwhich light reaches or by reducing a region which light does not reach.

According to one embodiment, light reaching the object may form not adot but a surface through the movement of the optical device. An areagenerated due to the movement of the optical device may be called thesurface light source 1103. In the light source module, a space islimited and the direction of movement is limited, and thus the area of agenerable surface light source is limited. In the case of theconventional distance measurement devices, there is no attempt toincrease a resolution through the movement of an optical device, andthus the above-described problem of arrangement has not been considered.

According to one embodiment, light source elements or apertures may beformed in a zigzag type in order to increase efficiency of the area of asurface light source and reduce a region which light does not reach. Inthis case, more densely spaced light beams may reach an object. Forexample, apertures may be formed in the multiple light source elementsof a light source part, and the apertures may be arranged according tothe rule established to adjust the position of light reaching an object.The established rule is not limited as long as the rule is designed toincrease the density of regions which light reaches.

Referring to FIG. 26 , for example, regions which light reaches may beclassified into a first region 1121 which light reaches and a secondregion 1122 which light reaches. The first region which light reachesmay be an odd-numbered region according to the arrangement of theregions, and the second region which light reaches may be aneven-numbered region according to the arrangement of the regions. Inanother example, light source elements and apertures may be formed suchthat regions which light reaches are arranged in the form of acheckerboard.

[Region-specific Sensing According to Second Feature of OIS Function]

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 9 , according to one embodiment, multipleseparate regions of an optical device may be defined according to aregion of light reaching a subject, and a single light source elementmay be used to allow light to pass through the multiple separate regionsof the optical device.

Referring to FIG. 24 , according to another embodiment, multiple lightsource elements may be used to allow light to pass through the multipleseparate regions of the optical device.

As described later, light may be transferred to an object from each ofthe multiple separate regions of the optical device according to themovement of the optical device, illustrated in FIG. 5 , and final imagedata or distance data may be acquired with regard to divided regions ofthe object.

The region-specific sensing may be implemented by a light source moduleincluding a single light source element, or may be implemented by alight source module including multiple light source elements asnecessary.

For example, in an optical device divided into nine regions, when linescanning is performed with respect to three channels by using threelight sources, an operation time may be reduced to a third of that inthe case of emitting light by using one light source. The number oflight source elements may be adjusted or designed in consideration ofeconomical efficiency, the size of a light source module, and limitationconditions of an actuator system.

In another example, an optical device may have multiple light sources,the number of which is equal to the number of multiple regions of theoptical device. When the multiple light sources are used, a movementdistance of the optical device is reduced, and thus an operation timemay be reduced. For example, the optical device may have nine lightsources corresponding to nine separate regions of the optical device. Amovement time of the optical device having nine light sources may beequal to or less than a ninth of an operation time of an optical deviceoperating using a single light source.

[Region-Specific Sensing According to Beam Steering Function]

Referring to FIG. 21 , the light source module 500 according to oneembodiment may transfer light to an object through beam steering.

The light source module 500 according to one embodiment may include alight source 510, at least one optical device 520, an actuator 530, aframe (not shown), at least one control device 550, and a pogo pintension 580.

The light source 510 may be one selected from among the above lightsources capable of emitting light, and the type thereof is not limited.For example, the light source 510 may be vertical cavitysurface-emitting laser (VCSEL).

The optical device 520 may include multiple optical devices. Accordingto one embodiment, a first optical device 520-1 may be a collimatorlens, and a second optical device 520-2 may be a diffractive opticalelement splitter.

The actuator 530 may include a coil 531, an electromagnet 533, and ayoke 535. The coil 531 and the electromagnet 533 may cause the movementof the optical device 520 by electromagnetic interaction therebetweenoccurring when current flows in the coil. The yoke 535 may be made of ametal material in order to increase magnetic flux density.

The actuator 530 may include a pogo pin tension, and may be defined as aseparate device as necessary.

A terminal 532 may be a terminal for connection of the coil and aprinted circuit board (PCB). A substrate on which a pogo pin tension isinstalled may be defined as the printed circuit board (PCB), and asubstrate on which a light source element is installed may be defined asa substrate pad.

The frame (not shown) may have the shape illustrated in FIG. 22 if theframe is designed to support or protect each element of the light sourcemodule, but is not limited thereto.

The frame (not shown) may include a flat spring 541. The flat spring 541may provide resilience such that the actuator 530 or the optical device520 returns to and maintains an initial position.

The control device 550 may include a processor or a controller, and mayinclude multiple processors as necessary.

A first control device 550-1 may be a processor for detecting whethermagnetic force is effective, and a second control device 550-2 may be aprocessor for identifying eye safety. The second control device maydetect, using a photodetector, whether a diffractive optical element isdetached.

The pogo pin tension 580 may be electrically connected to the printedcircuit board and the substrate (a substrate pad) to implement beamsteering.

The light source module 500 according to one embodiment may include fourpogo pin tensions 580, may receive power supplied from the substrateelectrically connected thereto, and may tilt the substrate (substratepad) to change the emission angle of light.

A magnet and a coil for generating electromagnetic force may be includedin each of the pogo pin tensions 580, and a plurality of pogo pintensions may be separately controlled. When the light source module 500includes at least four pogo pin tensions, the height of each pogo pintension may be adjusted according to the direction and intensity ofcurrent.

When the vertical direction of the printed circuit board is defined as az-axis direction, displacement (Theta) in the x-axis or y-axis directionin which light is transferred may be defined according to the verticalheight of each pogo pin tension 580.

Relative control of an emission angle by the pogo pin tension 580enables light emission through spatial division. In this case, an imagemay be acquired or a distance may be measured through division of asubject, and thus higher-quality image data or distance data may beacquired.

In the case of using a light source module having a beam steeringfunction according to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , lightmay also be transferred to a subject 399 in the state where a region 395which light reaches is divided, and the methods described in the presentspecification may be used.

[Control of Actuator]

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 15 , the actuator 330 according to oneembodiment may receive a control signal from a control device and maycontrol the movement of the optical device 320 in accordance with anoutput change interval of the light source 310.

The movement of the optical device 320 may be controlled such that lightis directed at a corresponding object. If necessary, the optical device320 may include two optical devices, and the two optical devices may bedefined as the first optical device 320-1 and the second optical device320-2 illustrated in FIG. 5 , but are not limited thereto.

For example, the optical device may move such that light passes througha region A of the second optical device 320-2 in FIG. 5 , and the lighthaving passed through the region A of the second optical device 320-2 inFIG. 5 may be transferred to a corresponding region A′ within the region395 which light reaches.

In another example, when the second optical device 320-2 in FIG. 5 movesand light passes through regions B and C in sequence, the light may besequentially transferred to corresponding regions B′ and C′ within theregion which light reaches.

Referring to FIG. 15 , light, which has passed through the opticaldevice 320 and reflected by a corresponding region of an object, may betransferred to a light receiving device 350. Further, the reflectedlight transferred to the light receiving device may reach separateregions 355 of the light receiving device corresponding to N (N being anatural number of 1 or greater) regions of the optical device.

An output change of the optical device may be made in accordance withthe output change interval of the light source, and the optical devicemay be controlled such that light is directed at a corresponding regionof the light receiving device. For example, the optical device may movesuch that light passes through the region A of the second optical device320-2 in FIG. 5 , and the light having passed through the region A ofthe optical device may be transferred to a corresponding region (a) inthe light receiving device.

In another example, when the second optical device 320-2 in FIG. 5 movesand light passes through the regions B and C in sequence, the light maybe sequentially transferred to corresponding regions (b and c) in thereception.

A control speed of output of a light source part may be controlled inconjunction with the light receiving device. The control speed may becontrolled based on a frame rate of a time-of-flight (TOF) camera, andmay vary depending on the sensitivity of a sensor. For example, thecontrol speed may be differently determined according to VGA, QVGA,QQVGA, etc.

Referring to FIG. 9 , For example, light may pass through regions of theoptical device in the order of regions A, B, C, F, E, D, G, H, and I.Power efficiency may vary according to the order in which light passesthrough the regions of the optical device. The order in which lightpasses through the regions may form one cycle such that all the regionsdo not overlap each other.

In another example, light may pass through the regions of the opticaldevice in the order of regions E, F, C, B, A, D, G, H, and I. The orderand direction of the movement of the optical device are an example andare not limited thereto.

The actuator 330 may include a coil, a piezoelectric element, or arotating device. Interaction between the coil and a magnet may causemovement in a direction parallel to an optical axis (in a light pathdirection). Further, movement in a direction parallel to the opticalaxis may be caused by using the piezoelectric element. A light diffusiondevice may rotate using the rotating device (not shown), and, in thiscase, there is an advantage of reducing the kinds of processed surfacesof the optical device.

The movement of the optical device may be adjusted such that lightsequentially passes through all or some of the regions. According to oneembodiment, when a single light source element is used, a distance froman object may be measured by causing movements of the optical device insequence. According to another embodiment, even in the case in whichmultiple light source elements are used, only some thereof may be used,and, if necessary, only one thereof may be used and a distance from anobject may be measured by causing movements of the light diffusiondevice in sequence.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , the use of multiple light source elementsmay have equal or higher efficiency while reducing the movement of theoptical device. For example, when three light source elements are usedand the optical device is divided into nine regions, the optical devicemay be configured to move in the upward/downward direction or in theleftward/rightward direction by using the light source elements arrayedin a line. Compared with in the case in which a single light sourceelement is used, this case is advantageous in terms of an operation timeand the resolution of an image.

Referring to FIG. 13 , according to one embodiment, the optical devicemay be rotated about an optical axis. In this case, all regions of theoptical device need not be individually configured as surfaces, andsymmetrical regions may be used. Further, in this case, only someregions may be repeatedly used to increase spatial efficiency of thelight source module, thereby miniaturizing the device. For example, asthe optical device rotates, the regions of the optical device may havesymmetrical structures matching each other.

2.4 Frame

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, 17, and 21 , if a frame of a lightsource module according to one embodiment is designed to support a lightsource, an optical device, and an actuator, the shape or size of theframe is not limited.

The light source module and the frame of the light source moduleaccording to one embodiment may be identical in structure to those ofKorean Patent Publication Nos. and Korean Registered Patent PublicationNos. KR 10-2020-0117187 A, KR 10-2020-0107749 A, KR 10-2020-0046267 A,KR 10-2020-0033168 A, KR 10-2020-0032429 A, KR 10-2090826 B1, KR10-2090827 B1, KR 10-2087519 B1, KR 10-2020-0014201 A, KR A, KR10-2053935 B1, KR 10-1877039 B1, KR 10-1853268 B1, KR 10-1750751 B1, KR10-2017-0065951 A, KR 10-1742500 B1, KR 10-1742501 B1, or KR 10-1538395B1, or may include modified embodiments thereof.

2.5 Control Device

A control device according to one embodiment, which is a processor, maycalculate acquired image data or distance data. Alternatively, thecontrol device may control current in an actuator or may control currentin order to control output of an optical element. The control device maybe called a driving device as necessary.

The control device may include: predetermined appropriate hardwareencoders, such as a computer, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a digital signalprocessor; a circuit for reading the encoders; a memory device; and/orother predetermined appropriate hardware elements. In some embodiments,each element disposed in a light source module may include its ownsoftware, firmware, and/or hardware in order to control the each elementand communicate with another element.

2.6 Photodetector

According to one embodiment, in order to detect the movement or positionof an optical device according to the movement of an actuator, a lightsource module may include a photodetector.

The photodetector may be disposed to directly receive light output froma light source, and may measure the intensity of the light output fromthe light source. The photodetector, which is a device capable ofmeasuring the intensity of light output from a light source, is notlimited. Specifically, the photodetector may be a photodiode, or aphotoelectric device formed as a pattern.

The photodetector may measure the intensity of reflected light, and maytransmit a value of the light intensity to a processor. The processormay determine whether the measured light intensity is outside apredetermined reference range, and may operate in an eye-safety mode tolimit output of the light source.

The photodetector may receive light emitted from a light source element,and may sense a change in a current value. The photodetector may detect,based on the change in the current value, the movement or position ofthe light source module.

The photodetector may control, based on the change in the current value,the movement of the actuator through a control device or a processor.

The movement or position of the actuator or the optical device, whichcan optimize the performance of the light source module, may becalculated based on data measured by the photodetector according to oneembodiment.

3. Receiving (Rx) Module

3.1 Configuration of light Receiving Device

A light receiving device according to one embodiment may include imagesensor, an infrared (IR) filter, and lens. The infrared filter mayrestrict the transmission of infrared light, and the lens may refract orfocus light. The lens may play the role of focusing or diffusing lightaccording to the type thereof, but the type of the lens is not limited.

The light receiving device may include image sensor, such as acharge-coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor(CMOS), etc.

3.2 Region of Light Receiving Device

The light receiving device according to one embodiment may be dividedinto one or more regions, and may recognize light which reaches and isthen reflected by corresponding regions of an object. Further, inrelation to the reflected light transferred to the light receivingdevice, the regions of the light receiving device may be defined suchthat the same can correspond to multiple regions of an optical device.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16 , a portion of an object, corresponding toeach of the separate regions 355 of the light receiving device 350, maybe recognized. For example, in the case of the region (a), a portion ofthe left upper end of the object may be recognized.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the order of recognition by regions of alight receiving device according to one embodiment may correspond to themovement of the optical device. For example, when light passes throughthe regions of the optical device 320 in FIG. 9 in the order of regionsA, B, C, F, E, D, G, H, and I, the regions of the light receiving device350 in FIG. 15 may recognize light in the order of regions a, b, c, f,e, d, g, h, and i.

4. High-Density Beam Radiation Using Collimator lens and OIS function

4.1 Limits of Conventional Technology

Due to a normal need for the miniaturization of a light source module,the movement distance of light relative to a field of view (FOV) in thelight source module is limited. Therefore, in the case of the field ofview (FOV) primarily adjusted by the inner diameter and design value ofan aperture of the vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), powerdefined in the vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) may beoutput as it is, thereby causing an eye-safety-related problem such as adamage to a user's eye, and the same is not enough to make homogeneityand field of view required by a system.

In order to overcome the above structural limit and implement opticalperformance to solve the problems of a field of view relative a movementdistance and eye-safety, it is normal for a light source module tonecessarily include at least one optical device.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the intensity and angle of light emitted from anoptical element 310C may be primarily adjusted by a lens of a verticalcavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), and the field of view of lighttransferred to the optical device 320 may be secondarily adjusted. Theoptical device may be a micro-lens array (MLA), a diffractive opticalelement (DOE), or a collimator lens, and an element capable ofhomogenizing light may be adopted as the optical device without anylimitation.

Conventional light source modules necessarily require an optical devicein order to diffuse or homogenize light transferred from a light sourceto a subject, and thus, under predetermined power, the intensity oflight output and the distance to which light reaches are limited.

Therefore, in the process of light homogenization using a micro-lensarray (MLA) or a diffractive optical element (DOE), the efficiency oftransmitted light is reduced, and, in the process of transferring in theform of a surface light source, the light efficiency is rapidly reducedaccording to a distance.

The optical device of the convention light source module acts as opticalresistance. Thus, in acquiring information about the distance and depthof an object present at a far distance, the amount of light reaching theobject becomes insufficient, and the intensity of light reaching theobject per unit area is reduced by the field of view (FOV) increased inthe optical device.

Therefore, the optical device of the conventional light source modulehas a limit in measuring an object present at a far distance. Further,when the conventional light source module necessarily requiring anoptical device for light homogenization is used, the resolution andsensitivity of a depth image or an image incident onto a sensor may bereduced and thus optical noise may be rapidly increased.

Further, the conventional optical device merely diffuses light,transferred from a single vertical cavity surface-emitting laser(VCSEL), for light homogenization, and thus the direction of light,transferred from each of multiple laser elements present at differentpositions, and characteristics of the positions of the laser elementsmay not be considered. For example, when nine vertical cavitysurface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are arranged in a 3×3 array,consideration may not be given to the transfer direction of light andthe positional characteristics of laser elements according to thearrangement of a laser element present at the center portion and laserelements present at the outer periphery.

Further, the conventional optical device is fixed to a frame (not shown)and thus is not moved, and may not adjust the incident position or angleof a beam according to the physical position or distance between thevertical cavity surface-emitting laser and the optical device.

4.2 Light Source Module Including Collimator Lens

A light source module according to one embodiment may include a lightsource and a collimator lens.

The collimator lens may adjust the movement distance or angle of thelight source to an object to increase light efficiency. The shape, size,arrangement, or the like of the collimator lens may be adjusted, basedon a predetermined reference, according to the amount of light at atarget point. Further, multiple collimator lenses may be used asnecessary.

The collimator lens may adjust a change in the field of view (FOV) oflight passing therethrough, and may maintain radiation of high-densityspot beam. A collimator lens according to one embodiment may preventhigh-density light, transferred from a vertical cavity surface-emittinglaser (VCSEL), from being transferred in the form of a surface lightsource (for example, in a flood type) as a result of passing through anoptical device such as a micro-lens array (MLA) or a diffractive opticalelement (DOE), and may convert the high-density light into ahigh-density spot beam and radiate the beam.

4.3 Working Distance Adjustment of Light Source Module

The distance between a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)and a collimator lens may be defined as a working distance, and theworking distance between the vertical cavity surface-emitting laser andthe collimator lens may be adjusted by a driving device (not shown).

In a near-distance mode in which a distance from an object present at anear distance is measured, the center of an aperture array of a verticalcavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) may be aligned with the center ofa collimator lens. The center of the aperture array and the center ofthe collimator lens, which are criteria of alignment, may be definedaccording to a predetermined reference.

When a direction in which light is transferred between an object and alight source element is defined as a Z-axis direction, x-axis and y-axisdirections perpendicular to the direction in which light is transferredmay be defined.

According to one embodiment, in a near-distance mode, the driving device(not shown) may restrict the x-axial and y-axial movement of thecollimator lens. In this case, the driving device (not shown) may movethe collimator lens in the z-axis direction to adjust the workingdistance.

The position of the collimator lens may be adjusted such that thedistance between the center of the aperture array and the center of thecollimator lens is shorter or longer than the working distancedetermined in far-distance mode by vertical movement of the collimatorlens in the z-axis direction.

In this case, unlike the form and boundary of a beam emitted infar-distance mode, the form and boundary of a beam are not clear and maybe converted into a form similar to the form of a surface light source.

According to one embodiment, in near-distance mode, a single verticalcavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) may be used, and a vertical cavitysurface-emitting laser (VCSEL) present at the center may be used forease in an optical design.

Another embodiment may provide a light source module wherein, in afar-distance mode, the working distance from a vertical cavitysurface-emitting laser to a collimator lens or a micro-lens array (MLA)is fixed, and a driving device is used to make a movement on atwo-dimensional plane of the x-axis and the y-axis such that theresulting relative light centric control between the vertical cavitysurface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and the optical device changes/controlsthe emission path.

Another embodiment may provide a light source module wherein, innear-distance mode, a driving device is used to adjust the workingdistance prefixed in far-distance mode in terms of z-axis emissiondirection or position, thereby implementing at least one function ofconverting a high-density spot-type beam into a blurred homogeneousbeam.

According to one embodiment, in far-distance mode, in order to radiatebeams onto multiple large-area regions with reference to the center ofthe aperture array and the center of the collimator lens, which havebeen aligned with each other in a far distance, the driving device (notshown) may restrict the movement of the collimator lens in a light pathdirection. For example, the driving device may restrict the z-axialmovement of the collimator lens which is a vertical movement thereof.

According to one embodiment, in far-distance mode, the driving device(not shown) may move the collimator lens in the X-axis and Y-axisdirections in the light source module. In this case, light transferredfrom an aperture of the vertical cavity surface-emitting laser does notpasses an optical device other than the collimator lens, and thus ahigh-density beam may be radiated to a subject present at a fardistance.

According to another embodiment, the light source module may includemultiple collimator lens, and may include multiple vertical cavitysurface-emitting lasers (VCSELs).

A near-distance mode or far-distance mode mechanism used by the lightsource module may be configured differently according to the distance orposition of a subject.

According to another embodiment, a driving control device and acollimator lens may not be included in the light source module, and amicro-lens array (MLA) having a fixed working distance as a conventionalconnection structure may be connected. In the light source module,multiple aperture regions of a light source are formed, and emittedbeams are incident onto corresponding regions into which the micro-lensarray (MLA) is divided, and is sequentially or simultaneously emittedand projected onto corresponding regions of a final large-area subject,whereby light can be more efficiently transferred.

When a micro-lens array is used as the conventional diffuser or adiffractive optical element is used as a beam splitter, a beam isprocessed into the form of a surface light source, and thus focusedbeams or light may not be transferred to some regions.

According to one embodiment, a focused high-density spot beam may betransferred to a subject through the light source module.

The focused high-density spot beam may be included in a firstlight-reaching region, and a spot may have a circular shape, but theshape thereof is not limited.

The spot may be defined as a set of beams having definition or intensityequal to or higher than predetermined definition or intensity.

Referring to FIG. 24 , according to one embodiment, when multiple lightsource elements are used, a region of light reaching a subject may bedivided into multiple regions. For example, the region of light reachinga subject may be divided into a1, b1, c1, d1, e1, f1, g1, h1, and i1.Lines on boundary surfaces may be imaginary lines which can bedifferentiated according to a predefined reference, the intensity oflight intensity, or the distribution of image data.

According to one embodiment, when the collimator lens is moved by thedriving device (not shown), the region of light reaching the subject mayincrease. According to one embodiment, when the collimator lens moves ina direction parallel to or perpendicular to a light path, the region oflight reaching the subject may also be defined according to suchmovement.

For example, a second light-reaching region may be defined according tomovement in the x-axis or y-axis direction with reference to the centerof the aperture array of the light source element and the center of thecollimator lens. In another example, when movement in the z-axisdirection occurs due to the adjustment of a working distance, the secondlight-reaching region may be newly defined.

According to one embodiment, the intensity of light reaching an objectin far-distance mode may be shown in the form of a spot at which lightfocuses on a predetermined region and the density of light is high, anda target spot may be distinguished based on a predetermined reference.For example, the predetermined reference may be a predetermined lightintensity or a predefined value, but is not limited thereto.

According to one embodiment, in far-distance mode, in order to have ahigh-density spot beam, an image, acquired by adjusting the workingdistance between the light source and the lens as desired, may beidentified.

According to one embodiment, in near-distance mode, a high-density spotbeam in far-distance mode has large-area homogeneity by adjusting theworking distance, and a function of acquiring depth distance informationat a relative near distance may be implemented by reducing the intensityof light.

According to one embodiment, the distribution of a beam according tobeam divergence by input current changing within a range of 1 A to 3.5 Amay be shown.

A description of beam distribution may be made by defining the width ofa graph by using full width at half maximum (FWHM), but is not limitedthereto.

On the basis of a beam change according to a change in input current ofthe vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), beam divergencedistribution, which changes according to a change in the x-axisdirection or the y-axis direction, may be measured. A light sourcemodule according to one embodiment may include: a light source; anoptical element including a collimator lens; and a driving deviceconfigured to move the light source and the optical element relative toeach other.

The driving device of the light source module may adjust a movementposition of a driving body according to a change in beam divergence ofan aperture by current input to a light source part.

The light source module may additionally include a processor configuredto adjust a working distance according to beam divergence of an apertureby input current of the light source part thereof.

The light source module according to one embodiment may further include:a light receiving device including a lens and an image sensor; and aprocessor configured to determine the field of view detected by thelight receiving device.

The light receiving device may detect a field of view in which a beamemitted while passing through an optical element including a collimatorlens is projected on a large-area subject, and the processor maydetermine whether the field of view detected by the light receivingdevice corresponds to a reference field of view, and may transmit anelectrical signal to a driving body.

The position of the driving body may be adjusted according to a changein beam divergence by input current of the light source part. The fieldof view in which a beam is projected on the large-area subject maychange in proportion to the beam divergence of an aperture, and may havea predetermined correlation with the beam divergence. For example, theamount of a change in the field of view in which a beam is projected onthe subject is in proportion to the amount of a change in the beamdivergence of an aperture, and the radiation angle of light emitted fromthe light source part may be more precisely controlled by calculatingthe amount of each change.

According to one embodiment, a change in the beam divergence of anaperture may be measured based on a change in input current of the lightsource part of the light source module. A working distance may beadjusted by calculating the amount of a change in the beam divergence.

According to one embodiment, control may be performed by measuring orpredicting the amount of a change in a beam divergence of an apertureaccording to a change in input current and thereby optimizinginformation regarding a field of view at which light reaches a subject.

According to another embodiment, control may be performed by measuringor predicting the amount of a change in a beam divergence of theaperture according to the temperature of external air or the like andthereby optimizing information regarding a field of view at which lightreaches the subject.

By using information about beam divergence in the transmission part andthe field of view at which light reaches the subject, it is possible toconsider the intensity of light from the transmission part and controlthe amount of light reaching a sensor of the light receiving device.

According to one embodiment, when the beam divergence is adjusted byadjusting the working distance, the intensity or density of lightprojected on a large area of the subject may be adjusted, and thus thesaturation of the sensor of the light receiving device may be prevented.

More excellent distance measurement data may be acquired by performingcalibration using the above data.

The beam divergence may be defined according to the shape or profile ofa beam.

5. Calibration of Light Source Module

5.1 Calibration of Transmitting Module

[Causes of Error Occurrence in Distance Measurement]

Referring to FIG. 31 , laser beams having a predetermined pulse 2401 arerepeatedly generated using a time-of-flight (TOF) method and are emittedto an object. A distance may be measured by calculating the time takenfor arrival of a pulse 2402 reflected back by the object. A controldevice (not shown) may open or close a shutter of a sensor in a lightreceiving device. A pulse 2406 is measured by the shutter of the lightreceiving device that is opened or closed at the same time a lightsource of a transmission part is turned on and then turned off. Acontrol unit (not shown) may open or close the shutter of the sensor inthe light receiving device at the time at which the light source of thetransmission part is turned off, and, in this case, another pulse 2407is measured.

A distance of the object may be measured by calculating a partial region2409 of the pulse 2406.

FIG. 32 is a view for describing a principle in which, in the case ofmeasuring a distance by using the TOF method, the distance is notaccurately measured in the light receiving device.

Referring to FIG. 32 , a distance of an object may be measured bycalculating a partial region 2409 a of a pulse 2406 a.

A pulse 2406 b is an example of a pulse having a larger amount of chargethan the pulse 2406 a. According to one embodiment, the intensity ofemitted light varies according to positions on the object, and thus theintensity of reflected light also varies according to the portions onthe object. The intensity of reflected light at the center portion ofthe object is stronger than that at the peripheral portion thereof.Thus, the amount of charge, which is generated by the reflected light atthe center portion and is measured in the light receiving device, islarger than the amount of charge which is generated by the reflectedlight at the peripheral portion and is measured in the light receivingdevice.

A reference line 2410 indicates a difference c2 between the pulse 2406 aand the pulse 2406 b, which is attributed to the relatively strongintensity of received light compared with the case of the pulse 2406 a.

A pulse 2406 c is an example of a pulse having a larger amount of chargethan the pulse 2406 a. According to one embodiment, when the intensityof reflected light is larger than a reference value which can bemeasured by the sensor of the light receiving device, the amount ofcharge is saturated in the light receiving device, and thus the distanceof the object may not be accurately measured.

A reference line 2420 indicates a reference value which can be measuredby the sensor of the light receiving device. According to oneembodiment, an error occurs in measuring the distance of the object by adifference c4 between the reference value and an actual intensity ofreflected light.

[Difference of Intensity of Light According to Position on Light Source]

Referring to FIG. 27 , the intensity of beams emitted by a single lightsource element or multiple light source elements according to oneembodiment may be identified for each position. According to oneembodiment, in graph 2000, the strongest intensity of light may bemeasured at the center portion of a light source, and the decreasingintensity of light may be measured toward the outer periphery of thelight source. A detailed correlation may be identified through graph2001 indicating the intensity of light according to positions.

Graph 2001 indicating the intensity of light according to positions mayvary depending on the position or arrangement of a light source in alight output device.

Referring to FIG. 28 , the intensity of light emitted by a light sourceaccording to one embodiment may be identified according to positions.The intensity 2001 of light emitted by some light source elements maydiffer from the intensity 2003 of light emitted by other light sourceelements, and various elements may be controlled or employed to haveorientation angles wider than the orientation angles of the light sourceelements. This may complement a phenomenon in which the intensity oflight decreases in the outer peripheral region.

For example, a first light source element or a first light source regionat the center portion may be used at a far distance, and a second lightsource element or a second light source region radiates a beam togetherwith the first light source element or the first light source region,and thus two beams may be complexly radiated.

The targeted intensity or range of light may be defined by appropriatelychanging or combining the shape of a beam radiated from the first lightsource element or the first light source region and the shape of a beamradiated from the second light source element or the second light sourceregion

According to another embodiment, when an inner region of a light sourceis divided into multiple elements or regions, the shapes of beamsradiated from N (N being a natural number equal to or greater than 2)regions may be more precisely controlled. Each of individual elementspresent in the multiple regions of the light source may be controlled,and the intensity of output light may be adjusted to a target intensity.

For example, the shapes of complexly radiated beams may be controlled tobe flat, and light having a uniform intensity within a predeterminederror range may be output.

For example, the first light source element or region at the centerportion in graph 2100 may be shown as a Gaussian-shaped or flat-shapedgraph.

For example, the second light source element or region at the centerportion in graph 2100 may be shown as a bat-shaped graph.

[Calibration of Output Intensity of Light of Transmission Part]

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31 , an output of each light source elementaccording to one embodiment may be individually controlled, and anoutput of a region 2205, in which the intensity of light is strong ingraph 2200, may be adjusted.

According to another embodiment, the output may be controlled to changea position-specific light intensity graph 2301 a to a graph 2301 b, andthe position-specific light intensity graph 2301 a may be changed to agraph 2301 c.

For example, the saturation of the amount of incident charge of a sensormay be prevented by adjusting the center portion of the graph 2301 a. Inanother example, the distance of an object when the object is positionedat a near distance may be accurately calculated by adjusting theperipheral portion of the graph 2301 a.

For example, a function for reversing the distribution of the amount ofincident charge reflected by a flat surface present at a predetermineddistance may be used as a formula to homogenize the distribution of aparticular region of the center portion or a boundary portion, therebycalibrating a quantitative depth of an object according to distance.

A beam emitted by the transmission part is reflected by an object, andthe reflected beam may be transferred to the light receiving device. Theshape of a graph showing the position-specific intensity of thereflected beam transferred to the light receiving device may be changedby changing the shape of a graph showing the position-specific intensityof the beam emitted by the transmission part through the above-describedtransmission calibration.

Referring to FIG. 31 , laser beams having a predetermined pulse 2401 arerepeatedly generated using a time-of-flight (TOF) method and are emittedto an object. A distance may be measured by calculating the time takenfor arrival of a pulse 2402 reflected back by the object. A controldevice (not shown) may open or close a shutter of a sensor of a lightreceiving device. A pulse 2406 is measured by the shutter of the lightreceiving device that is opened or closed at the same time a lightsource of a transmission part is turned on and then turned off. Acontrol unit (not shown) may open or close the shutter of the sensor ofthe light receiving device at the time at which the light source of thetransmission part is turned off, and, in this case, another pulse 2407is measured.

A distance of the object may be measured by calculating a partial region2409 of the pulse 2406.

FIG. 32 is a view for describing a principle in which, in the case ofmeasuring a distance by using the TOF method, the distance is notaccurately measured in the light receiving device.

Referring to FIG. 32 , a distance of an object may be measured bycalculating a partial region 2409 a of a pulse 2406 a.

A pulse 2406 b is an example of a pulse having a larger amount of chargethan the pulse 2406 a. According to one embodiment, the intensity ofemitted light varies according to positions on the object, and thus theintensity of reflected light also varies according to the portions onthe object. The intensity of reflected light at the center portion ofthe object is stronger than that at the peripheral portion thereof.Thus, the amount of charge, which is generated by the reflected light atthe center portion and is measured in the light receiving device, islarger than the amount of charge which is generated by the reflectedlight at the peripheral portion and is measured in the light receivingdevice.

A reference line 2410 indicates a difference c2 between the pulse 2406 aand the pulse 2406 b, which is attributed to the relatively strongintensity of received light compared with the case of the pulse 2406 a.

A pulse 2406 c is an example of a pulse having a larger amount of chargethan the pulse 2406 a. According to one embodiment, when the intensityof reflected light is larger than a reference value which can bemeasured by the sensor of the light receiving device, the amount ofcharge is saturated in the light receiving device, and thus the distanceof the object may not be accurately measured.

A reference line 2420 indicates a reference value which can be measuredby the sensor of the light receiving device. According to oneembodiment, an error occurs in measuring the distance of the object by adifference c4 between the reference value and an actual intensity ofreflected light.

[Calibration of Output Intensity of Light Based on Light ReceivingDevice Feedback]

Referring to FIG. 33 , a method 3000 in which a transmission partoptimizes light output based on a signal from a light receiving deviceaccording to one embodiment may include a light receiving device signalinput operation (S3010), a light receiving device signal analysisoperation (S3020), a transmission part output adjustment ratiocalculation operation (S3030), and a transmission part output adjustmentoperation (S3040).

In the light receiving device signal input operation (S3010), data maybe input into a control device, based on light received by a lightreceiving device. The type of a signal generated based on the lightreceived by the light receiving device is not limited as long as thesignal is capable of indicating the characteristics of light. Forexample, the type of a signal measured by the light receiving device maybe the amount of charge, current, or reflexibility.

For example, the amount of current generated in the light receivingdevice may be defined based on a measured amount of charge. As theamount of charge increases, large current may be generated, and an imagedate of the light receiving device may be acquired by calculating themagnitude of current.

In the light receiving device signal analysis operation (S3020), asignal of the light receiving device may be input in a control device,and the control device may analyze the signal of the light receivingdevice.

In the light receiving device signal analysis operation (S3020),distance data may be obtained based on the amount of charge or currentdata of the light receiving device.

In a light receiving device saturation determination operation (notshown), the control device may determine whether, when the signal of thelight receiving device is the amount of charge, the amount of charge issaturated. In order to adjust output of a light source element within asaturation range of the light receiving device, the control device mayfirst determine whether the amount of charge is saturated.

In the transmission part output adjustment ratio calculation operation(S3030), the control device may derive a function based on thedistribution of the amount of incident charge. The output adjustmentratio may be set as a ratio for making the distribution of outputuniform.

For example, a function for reversing the distribution of the amount ofincident charge reflected by a flat surface present at a predetermineddistance may be used as a formula to homogenize the distribution of aparticular region of the center portion or a boundary portion, therebycalibrating a quantitative depth of an object according to distance.

Further, in the transmission part output adjustment ratio calculationoperation (S3030 output of the transmission part may be), uniformlyadjusted for a partial region of a light source.

In transmission output adjustment ratio calculation operation (S3040),the control device may adjust output of a predetermined region of thelight source according to the ratio calculated in the transmission partoutput adjustment ratio calculation operation (S3030). For example, in alight source module, the output of the predetermined region may have apredetermined intensity or a uniform intensity.

Further, in the transmission part output adjustment operation (S3040),the output of the transmission part may be adjusted by adjusting theoutput of a light source element of the light source.

In the transmission part output adjustment operation (S3040), an outputadjustment ratio may be calculated based on a signal from the lightreceiving device or a signal in the transmission part.

When a signal of the transmission part is adjusted based on dataobtained based on a signal of the light receiving device, a feed-backstructure may be formed.

5.2 Calibration of Receiving Module

[Adjustment of Intensity of Signal Input to Light Receiving Device]

In a method for calibrating a reception signal of a receiving moduleaccording to one embodiment, a signal input to a light receiving devicemay be adjusted based on a predetermined reference. The predeterminedreference may be differently defined according to, for example, arecognition range of a sensor disposed in the light receiving device.

For example, the signal input to the light receiving device may adjustthe intensity of a signal of the light receiving device by calibrating adifference of the light amount or refractive index of the outerperiphery of a lens. According to one embodiment, in a concave lens orconvex lens, the intensity of transferred light varies according topositions at the lens, and thus the input signal of the light receivingdevice may calibrate the difference of the refractive index or lightamount of the outer periphery of the lens. According to anotherembodiment, the amount of light decreases toward the outer periphery ofa lens, and the light receiving device may recognize a signal inputthereto as a signal having a larger intensity than an actual receivedsignal. It is possible to make the intensity of the transmission partincrease toward the outer periphery of a lens, but a signal of the lightreceiving device may be simply adjusted by adjusting the signal in thelight receiving device.

According to one embodiment, the light receiving device may calibrateand recognize a signal such that the sensor of the light receivingdevice is not saturated. According to one embodiment, light actuallyreceived by the light receiving device may be light having a strongintensity beyond the saturation range of the light receiving device.Apart from the intensity of the actually received light, the lightreceiving device may calibrate and recognize a signal such that thesensor of the light receiving device is not saturated. Such calibrationmay simply control saturation, and may thus facilitate use of an imagesensor or various types of sensors.

According to one embodiment, the light receiving device may individuallyadjust the intensity of a signal input thereto according topredetermined regions of the sensor of the light receiving device.According to one embodiment, light emitted by the transmission part mayhave a radial shape in which the intensity of the light decreases fromthe center portion to the outer periphery. In relation to the intensityof light, the intensity of light at the center portion may be reduced,or the intensity of light at the outer peripheral portion may beincreased. For example, a region is divided into a far region and a nearregion, and then only the intensity of light at the center portioncorresponding to the far region may be uniformly adjusted. For example,a region is divided into a far region and a near region, and then onlythe intensity of light at the outer peripheral portion corresponding tothe near region may be uniformly adjusted.

According to one embodiment, the intensity of a signal input to thelight receiving device may be adjusted with reference to remaining areasother than the boundary portion. According to one embodiment, when aregion is divided into a far region and a near region and then light isemitted, noise may be generated in a signal of a boundary portiontherebetween. In this case, the resolution of a sensor may be reduced,and thus accurate distance measurement may not be performed. Therefore,the intensity of a signal input to the light receiving device may beadjusted with reference to remaining regions other than the boundaryportion.

For example, in relation to the intensity of a signal input to the lightreceiving device, the intensity of the signal at the boundary portionmay be calculated by averaging the intensities of the signal in theremaining regions other than the boundary portion. In this case, theintensity of a signal at the boundary portion is accurately calculatedby averaging the intensities of a signal of the remaining regions otherthan the boundary portion, and thus noise is reduced and the resolutionof the sensor is increased. Further, through such calibration, a lightoutput device can accurately measure a distance.

[Beam Radiation Angle Calibration according to Change in Signal Input toLight Receiving Device]

According to one embodiment, in near-distance mode, a high-density spotbeam in far-distance mode has large-area homogeneity by adjusting theworking distance, and a function of acquiring depth distance informationat a relative near distance may be implemented by reducing the intensityof light.

On the basis of a beam change according to a change in input current ofthe vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), beam divergencedistribution, which changes according to a change in the x-axisdirection or the y-axis direction, may be measured.

The position of the driving body may be adjusted according to a changein beam divergence by input current of the light source part. The fieldof view in which a beam is projected on the large-area subject maychange in proportion to the beam divergence of an aperture, and may havea predetermined correlation with the beam divergence. For example, theamount of a change in the field of view in which a beam is projected onthe subject is in proportion to the amount of a change in the beamdivergence of an aperture, and thus the radiation angle of light emittedfrom the light source part may be more precisely controlled bycalculating the amount of each change.

According to one embodiment, a change in the beam divergence of anaperture may be measured based on a change in input current of the lightsource part of the light source module. A working distance may beadjusted by calculating the amount of a change in the beam divergence.

According to one embodiment, control may be performed by measuring orpredicting the amount of a change in a beam divergence of an apertureaccording to a change in input current and thereby optimizinginformation regarding a field of view at which light reaches a subject.

According to another embodiment, control may be performed by measuringor predicting the amount of a change in a beam divergence of theaperture according to the temperature of external air or the like andthereby optimizing information regarding a field of view at which lightreaches the subject.

By using information about beam divergence in the transmission part andthe field of view at which light reaches the subject, it is possible toconsider the intensity of light from the transmission part and controlthe amount of light reaching a sensor of the light receiving device.

According to one embodiment, when the beam divergence is adjusted byadjusting the working distance, the intensity or density of lightprojected on a large area of the subject may be adjusted, and thus thesaturation of the sensor of the light receiving device may be prevented.

More excellent distance measurement data may be acquired by performingcalibration using the above data.

The beam divergence may be defined according to the shape or profile ofa beam.

5.3 Light Source Module Calibration Using Photodetector

According to one embodiment, in order to detect the movement or positionof an optical device according to the movement of an actuator, a lightsource module may include a photodetector.

The photodetector may receive light emitted from a light source element,and may sense a change in a current value. The photodetector may detect,based on the change in the current value, the movement or position ofthe light source module.

The photodetector may control, based on the change in the current value,the movement of the actuator through a control device or a processor.

The movement or position of the actuator or the optical device, whichcan optimize the performance of the light source module, may becalculated based on data measured by the photodetector according to oneembodiment.

The position of the actuator or the optical device may be calibratedbased on data of the photodetector, and, for the calibration, datameasured by the photodetector in the past may be used as necessary tooptimize the light source module.

According to one embodiment, when the light source module includesmultiple light source elements or a light source element includesmultiple regions, the photodetector may be used to increase precision ofthe light output of the light source element. The position or stoke ofthe optical device may be determined based on input current transferredthrough a coil in the actuator. In this case, the photodetector mayoptimize/control the light source module through a repeated feedbackprocess of measuring and calibrating a current change in the actuator.

According to one embodiment, the position of the optical device may bemeasured by measuring the intensity of electromagnetic force which isgenerated in an electromagnet by a hall integrated circuit (Hall IC),but may be measured by measuring intensity of current using thephotodetector.

The determination by the photodetector on the movement or position ofthe optical device may be applied both to a voice coil motor (VCM)-typemovement and to an optical image stabilization (OIS)-type movement.

For example, depending on the position of a carrier including a movablelens, the amount of reflected light may vary and a value of currentsensed by the photodetector varies, and thus position measurement andposition control through the photodetector are possible.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light source module comprising: a light sourcecomprising at least one vertical cavity surface-emitting laser, which isconfigured to transfer light through N (N being a natural number equalto or greater than 1) apertures; at least one collimator lens throughwhich light emitted by the light source passes; and a driving deviceconfigured to make the collimator lens move, wherein the at least onevertical cavity surface-emitting laser comprises divided regions, and anintensity of a beam is controlled according to a predeterminedfar-distance mode or near-distance mode, wherein the driving devicecauses, in the far-distance mode, a high-density spot beam to beoutputted, the working distance from the at least one vertical cavitysurface-emitting laser to a collimator lens to be fixed, and a movementon a two-dimensional plane of the x-axis and the y-axis to be made, andwherein the driving device causes, in the near-distance mode, a blurredhomogeneous beam to be outputted by adjusting the working distanceprefixed in far-distance mode in a light path direction.
 2. The lightsource module of claim 1, wherein the light transferred through the Napertures does not pass through any optical device configured to processa form of a beam, other than the collimator lens.
 3. The light sourcemodule of claim 1, wherein the driving device is configured to adjust analignment position between the vertical cavity surface-emitting laserand the collimator lens so as to adjust a direction of a beam incidentinto the collimator lens.
 4. The light source module of claim 3, whereinthe driving device is configured to control a current through anelectromagnetic coil or a piezoelectric element; and to make an opticalelement comprising the collimator lens move according to an intensity ordirection of the current.
 5. The light source module of claim 1, furthercomprising a photodetector configured to measure an intensity of lightpassing through a lens, wherein the photodetector is configured todetermine whether a light source element operates normally, based on themeasured intensity of light.
 6. The light source module of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of pogo pin tensions connected to asubstrate and configured to adjust a tension of an internal springaccording to an intensity of a current, wherein a beam transmissiondirection is adjusted by the movement of the pogo pin tensions.
 7. Alight source module comprising: a light source element comprising N (Nbeing a natural number equal to or greater than 1) apertures; acollimator lens configured to make light, emitted by the light sourceelement, pass and transfer a dot light source to a subject; and acontrol device comprising a coil, a piezoelectric element, or a rotatingdevice to control the collimator lens by a current or a voltage to movethe collimator lens a direction and a movement distance according to adistance to the subject, and wherein the control device transfers ahigh-density spot beam to the subject by making the collimator lens tomove in an X-axis or in a Y-axis direction in a first mode and transfersa beam in a form of a surface light source to the subject by making thecollimator to move in a Z-axis direction in a second mode.
 8. The lightsource module of claim 7, further comprising a photodetector configuredto measure an intensity of light passing through a lens, wherein thephotodetector is configured to determine whether the light sourceelement operates normally, based on the measured intensity of light. 9.The light source module of claim 7, further comprising a plurality ofpogo pin tensions connected to a substrate and configured to adjust atension of an internal spring according to an intensity of a current,wherein a beam transmission direction is adjusted by the movement of thepogo pin tensions.
 10. A light source module comprising: a light source;an optical element comprising a collimator lens; and a driving deviceconfigured to cause a movement of the optical element relative to thelight source, wherein the driving device is configured to adjust amovement position of a driving body according to a change in a beamdivergence of an aperture according to a current input to the lightsource, wherein the light source module further comprises a processorconfigured to adjust a working distance according to the beam divergenceof the aperture according to the input current of the light source. 11.The light source module of claim 10, further comprising: a lightreceiving device corresponds a lens and an image sensor; and a processorconfigured to determine a field of view detected by the light receivingdevice, wherein: the light receiving device is configured to detect afield of view at which a beam, which has passed through the opticalelement comprising the collimator lens, is projected on a large-areasubject; the processor is configured to determine whether the field ofview detected by the light receiving device corresponds to a referencefield of view and to transmit an electrical signal to the driving body;and a position of the driving body is capable of being adjusted based ona change in the beam divergence according to the input current of thelight source.
 12. The light source module of claim 11, furthercomprising a photodetector configured to measure an intensity of lightpassing through a lens, wherein the photodetector is configured todetermine whether a light source element operates normally, based on themeasured intensity of light.
 13. The light source module of claim 11,further comprising a plurality of pogo pin tensions connected to asubstrate and configured to adjust a tension of an internal springaccording to an intensity of a current, wherein a beam transmissiondirection is adjusted by the movement of the pogo pin tensions.